Aries Automotive 2065 - Manual (Page 3)

GRILLE GUARD
06-13 TOYOTA RAV4
Page 2 of 5 5-10-13 (DP)
Remove the plastic clip attaching the grille to the steel crossmember. Select (1) Bent Top
Support Bracket, (Figure 5A). Cover any surface on the Bracket with removable tape, (masking
tape for example), that may contact the vehicle to protect the finish.
Slide the Top Support Bracket under the rubber hood seal, (Figure 5C). Line up the hole in the
Bracket with the hole in the grille crossmember. Insert (1) 6mm Nut Plate, (Figure 5B), down
and into the opening behind the grille and hold it up against the underside of the steel
crossmember, (Figure 5C).
Line up the threaded hole in the Nut Plate with the hole in the Support Bracket. Bolt the Bracket
to the Nut Plate with (1) 6mm x 25mm Hex Bolt, (1) 6mm Lock Washer and (1) 6mm x 22mm
OD x 2mm STD Flat Washer, (Figure 6). Repeat this Step for the passenger side Top Support
Bracket installation.
2013 Models:
Remove the screw-on rubber bumper from the top of the grille on the driver side, (Figure 7).
Select the driver side Flat Top Support Bracket, (Figure 8A). Cover any surface on the Bracket
with removable tape, (masking tape for example), that may contact the vehicle to protect the
finish. Slide the Top Support Bracket under the rubber hood seal and line up the hole in the
Bracket with the threaded hole in the top of the grille, (Figure 8B).
Bolt the Top Bracket to the top of the grille with (1) 6mm x 25mm Hex Bolt, (1) 6mm Lock
Washer and (1) 6mm x 22mm OD x 2mm STD Flat Washer, (Figure 9). Repeat this Step for the
passenger side Top Support Bracket installation.
5. With assistance, place the Grille Guard face down on a clean surface in front of the vehicle, (Figure
10). NOTE: Use the packing materials to protect the finish on the Grille Guard. Slide the Grille Guard
up to the outside of the Frame Mounting Brackets. Attach the Grille Guard to the rear holes in the
Frame Mounting Brackets with (2) 12mm x 35mm Hex Bolts, (4) 12mm Flat Washers, (2) 12mm Lock
Washers and (2) 12mm Hex Nuts, (Figure 10). Tilt the Grille Guard up and into position. Insert the
remaining (4) 12mm x 35mm Hex Bolts, (8) 12mm Flat Washers, (4) 12mm Lock Washers and (4)
12mm Hex Nuts into the Grille Guard and Frame Mounting Brackets. Snug hardware but do not fully
tighten at this time.
6. Next, push the Grille Guard into position to meet the Top Support Brackets. Secure the Grille Guard to
the Top Support Brackets with (2) 6mm x 25mm Button Head Screws, (2) 6mm x 12mm Small Flat
Washers and (2) 6mm Lock Washers. (Figure 11).
7. Level and adjust the Grille Guard and tighten all Frame Bracket to chassis hardware only. Temporarily
remove the Grille Guard. Hold the plastic splash guard up into position against the Frame Brackets.
Mark the location of the Brackets onto the cover. Carefully cut the splash guard only enough to clear
the Frame Brackets, (Figure 12). Do not cut completely through the front edge of the cover. Do not cut
off any mounting locations from the cover. To maintain strength, cut only material that is required to
clear the Frame Mounting Brackets. Once cut and trimmed for clearance, slide the splash guard over
the Brackets but do not reinstall.
8. Reinstall the Grille Guard as described in Steps 5 – 7. Adjust and fully tighten all hardware. Reattach
the lower splash guard using the factory hardware.
9. Slowly close the hood to check for clearance between the Grille Guard, Top Support Brackets and the
hood. Align and adjust as required to completely close the hood. NOTE: It may be necessary to remove
the Top Support Brackets and adjust the bends to fit properly. Once completely adjusted, tighten all
hardware at this time.
06 – 12 only: Once the hood and/or Brackets are properly adjusted, reinstall the plastic panel between
the grille and the radiator using the factory hardware, (Figure 3).
10. Do periodic inspections to the installation to make sure that all hardware is secure and tight.
To protect your investment, wax this product after installing. Regular waxing is recommended to add a protective layer
over the finish. Do not use any type of polish or wax that may contain abrasives that could damage the finish.
For stainless steel: Aluminum polish may be used to polish small scratches and scuffs on the finish. Mild soap may be
used also to clean the Grille Guard.
For gloss black finishes: Mild soap may be used to clean the Grille Guard.